Finding Comfort in Companions: How a Walk with Maple and a Friend Lifted My Spirits

Sometimes, all you need to change your mood is meeting a friend. I was feeling down, though I didn’t want to admit it to Sarah, or even myself for that matter. I feel lonely quite often, despite having a handful with Maple and a lot of friends. It’s that deeper connection I crave—maybe that’s the role of having a best friend or closer friends? Sometimes that loneliness can get to the point where I even isolate myself, which is not a great cycle to be in. That’s why I was so grateful when Sarah asked to hang out. I almost didn’t bring Maple along because of the “hassle,” but what’s the point of having an adventure cat if not to adventure with?

Do you ever struggle with bringing your pet along on outings, even though you know it will be worth it in the end?

We met up at the rec center and took a “quick” walk around Washington Park. The conditions were almost pleasant: warm (in the low 90s), humid, yet cloudy enough that it didn’t feel like the sun was pummeling us. That was a relief because Maple doesn’t tolerate direct sunlight all that well. That being said, the air was sticky by Denver standards, and I found myself picking up the pace to try and ignore the discomfort.

Despite the heat, Maple did great on the walk! I still ended up bribing her with treats, but she watched all the dogs like a hawk. One thing I was surprised by was how little interest she garnered. Sure, there’s always someone who whispers to their friend about a cat riding on my back, but no one actually approached me to say hello. I think actively walking deterred a lot of people. Another anomaly was that most people were so focused on what they were doing that they didn’t even notice us. I won’t lie—I do enjoy the attention Maple usually draws, but it was also nice to fly under the radar for once. Getting stopped often can really ruin the momentum, especially on hikes. Maple, for her part, doesn’t mind being ignored. She’s friendly but generally uninterested in human interactions, so we’re still working on that.

Getting outside and spending time with a friend did wonders for my mood. The walk with Sarah reminded me how important it is to push through that initial resistance and just go out. Maple enjoys every opportunity to get outside, even if it means being harnessed up and riding on her bag. It’s moments like these that help break the cycle of isolation and remind me of the power of connection, whether it’s with a friend or my furry companion.

What do you do to get out of a funk or feel less lonely? Have you ever felt like skipping an outing but ended up glad you went? Leave your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!